About a dozen swimmers aged 12–16 from Western Ontario, including three Brock Niagara swimmers, were invited to take part in an open water clinic and race last Sunday, held at Deer Creek Conservation Area in Norfolk County. Eve Brum and Piper Sarginson raced the 1K event while Calvin Teminski took part in the 4K swim. Piper was the first female to finish and placed 2nd overall in the 1K race; Eve came in close behind. Calvin finished middle of the pack in the more challenging 4K distance.

The morning started off with a talk by Coach Brian (CYPS) about the differences between pool swimming and open water swimming; and about the unique challenges open water swimmers face. He also talked about his recent trip to BC and visit with National Open Water Coach Ron Jacks of Pacific Coast Swimming; and gave us an idea of that program’s philosophy and the training regimen that the world-class open water swimmers follow along with some samples of what their workouts may look like.

The WOSA swimmers then took to the lake and rehearsed some open-water skills—sighting, turning corners, breathing, pacing—and received some helpful feedback that they could take and use later during their races.

Following all the races, swimmers were treated to some snacks, prizes … and cake! We couldn’t have asked for better weather on this warm and sunny day.